Gala Raises Funds for Mental Health & Emotional Healing Arts Programs

Art & Creativity for Healing held its spectacular Black & White 25th Anniversary Ball on Saturday, April 26 at the Ambassador Event Center in Irvine. Close to 200 guests raised $125K while enjoying a special 25-year celebration in support of the organization’s mental health and emotional healing programs.

“I’m very grateful to all the people who have helped us over the last 25 years. What an incredible honor it is to have such loyal and supportive friends,” said Art & Creativity for Healing’s Founder/Director Laurie Zagon.

The 25th Anniversary Ball was chaired by Thanh Cambaliza and Nickie Tran while Elizabeth Kurtz was the auction chair. All three were recognized for their leadership as Chair Awardees.

Other awards during the evening program were presented to individuals who have supported the organization over the past 25 years. The Top 10 awardees were Lindsay Reskey, Susan Robertson, Sarah Kasman, Leah Prehn, Pepe Mercado, Donna Johansen, Nancy Filson, Sandy & Markus Bohi, Richard & Andi Mandel and Nancy Torbitt-Stewart. Star Awardees included the Aston Family, Eric Likness, Amy Baker, Laura Svette, Deidra Jenkins, Randi Winters, Lisa Stoughton and Melanie Coughlin.

Guests dressed in black and white attire enjoyed casino tables and prizes, a group painting project (auctioned later in the evening), an expansive silent auction, dinner and live auction capped off by music and dancing. The lively affair was led by emcee and auctioneer Joe Future with music by DJ Tempoe.

All event proceeds from the gala will support the organization’s major programs including Wounded Warriors, Special Needs/Exceptional Families, Grieving Children, Adults & Seniors, Women Survivors, Troubled Teens and Families in Life Transitions.

Major sponsors were Sterling Carpet & Flooring, the Ted Aston Family and Ruth & Joseph C. Reed Foundation for the Arts. The Silver sponsors included Sharlene Baker, IQ Risk Insurance Services, LLC, Décor N Tile, Lickety Stitch Quilting Lounge, Tina Van Dam, Cambaliza McGee LLP, Bohi Consulting Inc., Wendy Joy, Cara Paynter, Integrity Electric, Nick & Erica Jones and Deloitte.

For more information about Art & Creativity for Healing, call 949.367.1902 or visit www.art4healing.org.

About Art & Creativity for Healing

Art & Creativity for Healing’s mission is to support emotional healing through art and creative expression for those living with pain, grief, fear or stress. Founded by Laurie Zagon in 2000, the Art4Healing® curriculum contains strictly guided exercises, rather than loosely formatted art sessions. More than 100,000 individuals served by over 40 partner agencies have participated in the exercises specially designed to encourage emotional responses leaving participants encouraged with enhanced clarity and insight.

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